Introduction

This Turkey Apple Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of ground turkey with the natural sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes. It’s a unique twist on classic chili, perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick stew-like dish with three main visible layers: the bottom layer is a mix of soft, ground meat with a brownish color; the middle layer contains soft, orange carrot slices and chunks of yellow squash, both coated in a rich red tomato-based sauce; the top layer includes small dark red kidney beans scattered throughout and sprinkled green herbs on top. The sauce looks thick and chunky with small bits of vegetables and herbs visible. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture with a cream-colored cloth beside it. A spoon is partially visible inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered, about 2 smaller sweet potatoes)
2 cups diced apple (from about 2 apples)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage, divided
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A sprinkle of nutmeg
2 pounds ground lean turkey
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
3 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce
1-2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink.
Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and strained tomatoes (or marinara sauce), then stir to combine.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. If using kidney beans, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking just to heat through.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add finely chopped onions or bell peppers with the carrots and sweet potatoes.
Use ground chicken or turkey sausage as an alternative to ground turkey.
Adjust chili powder to your preferred heat level, or add a pinch of cayenne for more spice.
Try substituting apple with pears for a different fruit flavor.
Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a chunky stew layered with various ingredients: bright orange chunks of sweet potato and carrots, dark red kidney beans, ground meat, and small pieces of green herbs sprinkled on top. The stew has a thick reddish sauce coating all the ingredients. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, beige textured cloth in the blurry background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground turkey and increase the beans or add lentils and vegetables to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What kind of apples work best in this chili?

Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and add a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Turkey Apple Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 82 reviews

This hearty Turkey Apple Chili combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, apples, and a blend of warming spices to create a flavorful and comforting meal. Perfect for cooler evenings, this chili balances savory and sweet notes with a gentle kick of chili powder, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish for the whole family.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
2 cups sliced sweet potatoes (halved and quartered, about 2 smaller sweet potatoes)
2 cups diced apple (from about 2 apples)

Spices and Seasonings

1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt (divided)
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp rubbed sage (divided)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
A sprinkle of nutmeg
2 tsp chili powder

Protein

2 lbs ground lean turkey

Other Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce
1–2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

Heat the oil and cook vegetables: Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and heat it over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to slightly soften the vegetables and meld the spices.
Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the turkey is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
Incorporate tomato paste and spices: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout the meat and vegetables.
Add tomatoes: Pour in the 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of strained tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer the chili: Reduce heat to low-medium and let the chili cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to tenderize. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add kidney beans (optional): If using kidney beans, add them during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.

Notes

Use lean ground turkey to keep the chili light and healthy.
Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
Adding apples provides a subtle natural sweetness that balances the savory spices.
Kidney beans can be substituted with black beans or pinto beans based on preference.
This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.

Keywords: Turkey chili, apple chili, ground turkey recipe, healthy chili, sweet potato chili, autumn chili